Product configurator for the webshop

What is a product configurator?

• Types of product configurators
• Where is a product configurator used?

Why is a product configurator important?

• Advantages of a product configurator
• Disadvantages of a product configurator

How to develop a product configurator?

Conclusion

In the age of online shopping, customers expect the online shopping experience to be not only worthwhile, but sometimes even better than in a physical shop. It goes without saying that the user can view the image of the product they want to order, as well as often change the colour and size from the predefined sizes. But it goes even further when customers want a completely customised solution for their needs while shopping from the comfort and safety of their own home: Taking a close look at every product detail, material, size and shape, adding their own logo, sometimes even their own design - it's already possible now thanks to a product configurator.

What is a product configurator?

A product configurator is a digital technology that allows users to change the features or view customisable 2D or 3D models of the product in real time. It can take many forms and offer multiple functions, from component selection, e.g. when assembling your own furniture, or simply changing the colour, size or material of the desired product. The range of functions depends mainly on the type of product being sold.

Types of product configurators

• Web-based product configurator

A web-based product configurator is a tool that is mainly built into e-commerce websites and offers users the ability to change product features, design, style or components on the product to determine what fits best in real time. Kenner Soft Service GmbH as a professional web-based product configurator developer can confidently claim that it enables to stay ahead of ever-changing customer needs and expectations of the product they are looking for.Remarkably, thanks to 2D or 3D graphics, consumers can choose the best variant for them, examine all the fine details and at the same time increase their confidence in products.For example, the famous American corporation Nike offers the "Design Your Own" function, where the customer can choose the material and colour and observe the difference.

• Mobile product configurator

A mobile product configurator is an application that offers more complex options in connection with the customisation of products or services. It is mainly used in areas where a lot of thinking and planning is required. For example, the design of rooms, terraces or production parts. A mobile product configurator is very useful if you need to visualise your product or service to your customers or company offline.

• VR-Product configurator

A VR (virtual reality) product configurator is used to create an immersive virtual environment in which customers can interact with a product, explore the design in depth and view true-to-scale product models. In this way, companies can share their customisable products with consumers. However, such technology requires users to have special headsets to play virtual reality, which is why they are mainly used in points of sale where headsets are to be provided.

• AR-Product configurator

Dhe AR product configurator (augmented reality) enables digital products to be superimposed on the real environment. It offers better visualisation and deeper interaction. The main difference between AR and VR product configurators is that AR is developed as an application and can only be played with a smartphone or iPad, which are accessible to everyone. For example, the German car manufacturer Porsche provides its customers with an AR product configurator that can be downloaded from Google Play.

Where is a product configurator used?

There are many sectors such as:

• Manufacture
• Retail trade
• Designer Mode
• Interior design
• Architektur
• Automobile
• Electronics

Why is a product configurator important?

Advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to the product configurator, entrepreneurs can address their potential customers directly with a message like this: "Hello, we'll take care of you. We have created the greatest feature to dispel all your doubts about the product. Now you can look at all the smallest details, find your style, compare colors or materials and determine if it fits your purpose and lifestyle - without leaving home. "A product configurator is directly related to the fast-growing e-commerce trends. The development of such a magic wand is now one step ahead. 64% of 18- to 34-year-olds want customization according to Artifilabs.

Advantages of a product configurator

Trust

Gaining the customer's trust in the product they are buying is not an easy business goal to achieve. However, any lock will be opened if you have a key - a product configurator. Have your own program webshop and create your own configurator with such features as 3D view. They help to explore as many aspects of the product as possible and emphasize its uniqueness. This way you leave no doubts. According to Field Agent, 83% of US smartphone users found product images and photos to be "very" and "extremely" influential. This means that if a product is to be configured and visualized on the webshop page, this could be a powerful tool to order the product as it is now available in the format that is clear to users.

Customize yourself

It not only helps to create your own customer design, but also increases margins through the emotional experience of the product design for yourself.

1 in 5 customers is willing to pay 20 % more for a personalized or exclusive product (Deloitte-Forschung).

Reduce the number of returns and refunds

As the buyer knows what they will get in the end, the need for returns and refunds is reduced. As customers can see exactly what they are getting, brands achieve an 80% reduction in online returns (Forbes).

Increase customer satisfaction and loyalty

If you are a customer who has inspected the product to be purchased without any problems, has modified it for himself and is not worried about the end product, won't you be happy? 70% of consumers say that a company's understanding of their personal needs influences loyalty (Salesforce).

Relief for customer support

As long as users have the opportunity to interact with products online in some way, customer support receives fewer clarifying questions and calls. This saves time and speeds up the purchasing process. In addition, shoppers who view 3D images of products buy with a 11-mal höheren Wahrscheinlichkeit than those who do not look at them.

Opening up new business opportunities

While returns and refund rates are falling, key business indicators such as ROI and profit are growing. Since a product configurator solves the e-commerce sales problems such as product interactivity, content quality, communication, customer loyalty, it has a fast payback time and positively influences valuable metrics.

For example, companies that have replaced 2D static images with 3D models based on WebGL* achieve 40 % higher online conversion rates and a 30 % improvement in average sales prices. (Forbes).

WebGL is a JavaScript API for rendering interactive 2D and 3D graphics in any compatible web browser.

Disadvantages of a product configurator

High Implementation costs

The development and implementation of product configurators is not a cheap pleasure. The price depends on the type of configurator and the number or complexity of features included (of course, VR or AR configurators cost much more than web-based product configurators). The good news is that it has a quick payback time, as mentioned above. The approximate price range starts at $10,000 and can reach millions of dollars.

Increase in prices and delivery times

The development and implementation of a product configurator can influence the prices and delivery times of products. However, it is not a problem if you show your customers that the product configurator is nothing other than a premium customer service. Especially if some buyers are willing to pay more for such a personalization tool.

How to develop a product configurator?

When starting to develop a product configurator, it becomes increasingly important to choose the right path. If you do not have enough internal resources to correctly determine and implement the most suitable functions for your e-commerce website, do not take any risks. Otherwise, you will lose money, time and get no result. Choose a software development company that not only has strong expertise, but can also advise you on the right decision in your e-commerce space. Kenner Soft Service GmbH combines both and has many years of experience, which we would like to share to partially demonstrate the development process.

Conclusion

EA product configurator is an excellent and modern tool for any e-commerce business. Even though an advanced configurator with various options that is AI-enabled and provides customers with a fully customizable experience may require a significant budget and time, such technology will certainly provide a great return on investment even in a relatively short period of time. Furthermore, investing in a product configurator company will stay ahead of the competition while offering an unparalleled customer experience and service. What is essential, however, is a clear strategy in defining what the configurator needs to deliver and which company should be entrusted with such an important development.